Episode 131 – Dictators by the Dozen

In this episode, we delve into the craziness of the mid-430s BCE. The Romans are feeling the pressure, so they order dictators by the dozen. Episode 131 - Dictators by the Dozen Freaking Fidenae In 435 BCE the Romans are once more battling the Etruscans over the issue of Fidenae. Fidenae had once been a Roman colony, until they treacherously switched their allegiances to the city of Veii. They must have felt bold, because in 435 BCE they started pillaging Roman territory. To add insult to serious injury, the people of Fidenae and Veii crossed the River Anio and set up camp near the Colline Gate. The Romans could not ignore such provocative behaviour, even if they were suffering through a pestilence. This was scary stuff! Time for dictator number one. Quintius Servilius was appointed dictator and he wasted no time rallying forces. The Romans found themselves besieging the people of Fidenae. Hopefully, the dictator has some clever strategies up his sleeve... A Total Train-wreck + Dictators 434 BCE is a year so confusing that even our sources can’t work it out. We have two sets of consuls, military tribunes with consular power, dictators, AND censors. What on earth is going on? While it is difficult to be sure of the power dynamics in the city this year, there are definitely some interesting struggles going on in Rome. Things to Listen Out For * Dictators… dictators everywhere! * Cunning plans to capture cities * Spiteful censors * Scary tax hikes * A lovely cross-promo from indie podcast The Delicious Legacy! Looking to catch up the decade of the 430s and where this chaos all began? Jump back in time to the drama of 439 BCE with Episode 127: The Assassination of Spurius Maelius. Image courtesy of the University of Michigan Press Our Players 435 BCE Consuls * C. Iulius (-f. – n. Iullus?) (Pat) Cos. 447, 434? * L. (or Proc.) Verginius – f. – n. Tricostus (Pat) Dictator * Q. Servilius P. f. Sp. n. Priscus Fidenas (Pat) Master of the Horse * Postumus Aebutius – f. – n. Helva Cornicen (Pat) Cos 442 Censors * C. Furius – f. – n. Paculus Fusus (Pat) Cos 441, Mil. Tr. c.p. 426 * M. Geganius M. f. – n. Macerinus (Pat) Cos. 447, 443, 437 * Our Players 434 BCE Consuls 434 BCE is a a busy year and there's two sets of consuls! * C. Iulius – f. – n. Iullus (Pat) Cos. 447, 435 * L. (or Proc.) Verginius – f. – n. Tricostus (Pat) Cos. 435 * M. Manlius – f. – n. Capitolinus (Vulso?) (Pat) * Q. Sulpicius Ser.?f. – n. Camerinus Praetextatus (Pat) Military Tribunes with Consular Power * Ser. Cornelius – f. – n.